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Dealing with pre-loss grief

Hi all,

I was recently diagnosed with endo after seeking a diagnosis for 15 years (I'm 25 now and I started my period when I was 9). I fully understand that everyone's endo story and how they chose to handle it is different. I will have to get a partial hysterectomy and one of my ovaries removed. I have always grown up not wanting children for a multitude of reasons. In addition to that, I've had enough discomfort from my uterus that I've wanted a hysterectomy for awhile but always got the "what if you want children one day?" speech (which is totally valid; I'm not trying to disregard anyone's wants/opinions, it's just not what I've wanted for me). All of that being said, now that I'm about to get what I wanted... I'm depressed. I still don't actually want children, but I didn't realize how hard it would be to deal with the fact that I won't be able to do something so natural to women...

Does anyone have any tips for coping? I'm single and having to make this decision on my own. I know I'll still have one ovary if I change my mind in the future, but the idea of not being able to do things naturally as someone who doesn't wish to be a parent is shocking to me.

Again, I'm not trying to be rude or offend anyone. It's just my personal choice. But I would really appreciate the help if anyone has any tips.

Thanks in advance.

  1. Hi ,

    First of all I want to say that you are a warrior. Living through so much discomfort and finally getting a diagnosis is no easy feat. Please know that you are not alone. We hear you and we are here for you. The decision to get a hysterectomy can be overwhelming, whether you want kids or not. Regardless of that desire, you're considering removing a part of your body, a part that is crucial to the societal ideal of what makes you a woman. It's okay to grieve that, even if you don't want to bear children. Be gentle on yourself. It sounds like your mind is battling with a lot of big emotions: the desire for relief from the pain of endometriosis, the grief of losing the possibility of having kids, and the fear that people may judge you, just to name a few. You're allowed to feel all of those, and they can all be true at the same time.


    I pulled a few articles from our community page which I hope will give you some peace of mind about your decision. Please keep us posted on your journey. Reach out any time you need support. Sending big hugs.
    - Kat (Team Member)

    https://endometriosis.net/living/hysterectomy-stories

    https://endometriosis.net/living/hysterectomy-sexism

    https://endometriosis.net/living/choice-hysterectomy

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